Product covered in this analysis
AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 PRO+ Sensor Upgrade
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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.In this article 13 sections
- What the AcuRite Iris PRO+ Upgrade Does
- How It Works: Solar Radiation Error Explained
- Specifications
- Who Needs the PRO+ Upgrade?
- Before and After: What Changes
- How to Install the AcuRite Iris PRO+ Upgrade
- Pros and Cons
- How Much More Accurate Does the PRO+ Make Your Station?
- PRO+ Upgrade vs. Davis Fan-Aspirated Radiation Shield
- Frequently Made Mistakes with the PRO+ Upgrade
- Troubleshooting the PRO+ Upgrade
- Is the AcuRite Iris PRO+ Upgrade Worth Buying?
- Frequently Asked Questions
The AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 PRO+ Weather Sensor Upgrade (AcuRite model 06003M; the instruction sheet calls it the "5-in-1 Sensor Pro Add-On", model 06003RM) is a replacement upper assembly for an existing AcuRite 5-in-1 outdoor sensor. You open the sensor, remove its original wind speed/solar top and screw the new one in place. The new top has two solar panels, which AcuRite says lets the sensor's solar-powered aspirating fan "run more often" and "improves ambient temperature measurement throughout all hours of the day".
This review covers exactly what the PRO+ upgrade does, what AcuRite claims (no independent accuracy figures have been published that we could find), who genuinely needs it, how to install it from AcuRite's official instruction sheet, and whether it is worth it for your situation. Research only: we have not tested it ourselves.
The AcuRite Iris PRO+ upgrade does one thing: it gives the sensor's solar-powered aspirating fan a second solar panel, so the fan can run more often. AcuRite says that improves temperature measurement; we found no published numbers for how much. Installation needs a Phillips screwdriver: you open the sensor and swap its upper assembly. It is worth considering if you are in a hot or sunny climate and your current temperature readings run high compared to official station data on sunny days. It does not improve wind, rainfall, or pressure accuracy.
What the AcuRite Iris PRO+ Upgrade Does
The PRO+ upgrade is not a new weather station or a complete sensor. It is a replacement upper assembly with two solar panels: you remove the original wind speed/solar assembly from your 5-in-1 sensor and screw the Pro Add-On onto the rain gauge assembly in its place. AcuRite describes the fan as solar-powered and does not mention any storage battery for it, so the fan still depends on sunlight, just with more panel area to catch it.
The standard AcuRite 5-in-1 sensor already includes an aspirating fan and a single solar panel. AcuRite says the upgrade "should be used on 5-in-1 sensors that come with only one solar panel", and that AcuRite PRO+ station models already come with it installed. The logic is simple: one panel has less power to give the fan in weak sun, and a fan that is not turning cannot flush warm air out of the housing.
In AcuRite's words, the dual solar panels "maximize sun exposure" so the fan can run more frequently.
How It Works: Solar Radiation Error Explained
Solar radiation error is a common cause of temperature readings that run high on consumer weather stations. Even a sensor placed in shade can overheat if the aspiration fan is not running consistently, because the plastic housing still absorbs diffuse radiation and radiates heat inward.
Direct and diffuse solar radiation warms the white plastic housing of the outdoor sensor. Even in shade, reflected radiation from nearby surfaces contributes to casing temperature rise.
Without active airflow, the air inside the sensor housing heats up faster than the ambient air outside. The temperature sensor reads this trapped heated air instead of true ambient air temperature.
When the fan runs, it continuously pulls ambient air from outside the housing over the temperature and humidity sensors, flushing out the heated trapped air and replacing it with fresh outside air.
The PRO+ upgrade's two panels catch more sunlight, so the solar-powered fan can run more often (AcuRite's claim). AcuRite does not mention a battery for the fan, so in very weak light it still depends on what sun there is.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible sensors | AcuRite 5-in-1 sensors with one solar panel; AcuRite's list of works-with models includes 01500, 01525 and 01036 (full list on the listing): check before buying |
| Installation | Replaces the sensor's upper wind speed/solar assembly; Phillips screwdriver needed (4 long and 4 short screws); AcuRite also lists spray lubricant |
| Power source | Dual solar panels (AcuRite mentions no battery for the fan) |
| Effect on main sensor batteries | Not stated by AcuRite (the 5-in-1 sensor itself uses 4 AA batteries) |
| What it improves | Ambient temperature measurement (AcuRite's claim, not independently measured) |
| What it does not improve | Wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, barometric pressure |
| Maintenance | Wipe solar panels with a damp cloth now and then to remove dust and pollen (our tip) |
| Long-term wear point | Aspirating fan motor: moving part subject to eventual wear |
Who Needs the PRO+ Upgrade?
The PRO+ upgrade solves a specific problem. If you do not have that problem, it adds limited value. Here is a straightforward breakdown:
Notice your temperature reads noticeably above nearby official station data on sunny afternoons. Live in a hot or high-sun climate (Florida, Texas, Arizona, California). Want to contribute data to Weather Underground. Care about heat index calculations from your station. Already own a compatible AcuRite 5-in-1 sensor with a single solar panel.
Already see temperatures that match nearby official data. Already own a PRO+ model (AcuRite says those come with the upgrade installed). Are primarily concerned with wind or rainfall accuracy: the PRO+ does not affect those. Do not own a compatible AcuRite 5-in-1 sensor: this is not a standalone product. Are considering replacing the whole station rather than upgrading it.
Before and After: What Changes
| Condition | Standard 5-in-1 (without PRO+) | With PRO+ Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Bright sunny afternoon | Plenty of sun for the single panel | Plenty of sun for both panels |
| Partly cloudy day | Less power for the fan from one panel | More panel area, so the fan should run more often (AcuRite's claim; not measured) |
| Early morning / late afternoon low sun | Little sun on one panel | Two panels catch more of the available sun (not measured) |
| Winter low-sun conditions | Weaker sun for one panel | More panel area for the same weak sun (not measured) |
| Wind and rain readings | Unaffected by PRO+ upgrade | Unaffected by PRO+ upgrade |
| Main sensor battery drain | 4 AA (alkaline or lithium; AcuRite says lithium below -4°F) | AcuRite does not state any change |
How to Install the AcuRite Iris PRO+ Upgrade
According to AcuRite's instruction sheet (5-in-1 Sensor Pro Add-On, model 06003RM), you need your 5-in-1 sensor, a Phillips head screwdriver and spray lubricant. AcuRite warns that the electronics inside are sensitive: "HANDLE WITH CARE". AcuRite does not give an installation time. Here are the steps from the sheet:
Remove the 5-in-1 sensor from its mount and take out its batteries first, which AcuRite says avoids erroneous data while you handle and transport it. Work on a clean, flat surface.
Remove the 4 LONG screws and separate the upper white portion from the lower gray portion; set the gray part and the screws aside. Then remove the 4 SHORT screws on the upper white portion near the fan assembly, and keep them. Gently lift the upper wind speed/solar assembly off the rain gauge assembly and discard it.
Line up the screw holes on the Pro Add-On with the rain gauge assembly. Turn the upper white portion over and reinstall the 4 SHORT screws, tightened by hand.
Reinstall the 4 LONG screws to connect the upper white portion and the lower gray portion. AcuRite's sheet ends here: "Installation is complete!" The sheet also has a separate lubrication step: remove the screw below the wind cups, spray a small amount of lubricant into the hole, tip the sensor upside down and back several times, and reinsert the screw.
Reinstall the batteries (the A-B-C switch must still match your display) and mount the sensor again. AcuRite's sensor manual says to mount it at least 5 feet up in an open area, level (check the bubble level), with the solar cell facing south so the wind direction is oriented correctly.
Pros and Cons
- Upgrades your existing sensor with a screwdriver, no new station needed
- AcuRite says it improves temperature measurement at all hours of the day
- Solar-powered fan, according to AcuRite
- Two panels give the fan more sun to work with
- Upgrades the sensor you already own instead of replacing the whole station
- Compatible with multiple AcuRite 5-in-1 model generations
- Does not improve wind, rain, or pressure accuracy
- Fan motor is a long-term wear point
- You have to open the sensor and handle sensitive electronics
- No published figures for how much it improves accuracy
- Only meant for 5-in-1 sensors with one solar panel (PRO+ models already have it)
- No value if sensor is already well-shaded and reading accurately
How Much More Accurate Does the PRO+ Make Your Station?
Honest answer: nobody has published a number we could verify. AcuRite says the upgrade "improves ambient temperature measurement throughout all hours of the day", but it gives no before and after figures, and we found no independent measurements. An earlier version of this page showed a table of typical improvements; we removed it because we could not source those numbers.
So treat the PRO+ as a sensible thing to try if your afternoon readings run high, not as a guaranteed fix. For a broader look at consumer station accuracy, see how accurate home weather stations really are.
PRO+ Upgrade vs. Davis Fan-Aspirated Radiation Shield
Buyers who research aspirated temperature sensors often encounter the Davis Instruments fan-aspirated radiation shield as the professional benchmark. Here is how the two compare for home weather station use.
| Feature | AcuRite Iris PRO+ Upgrade | Davis Fan-Aspirated Radiation Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible stations | AcuRite 5-in-1 sensors only | Davis Vantage Pro2 and Pro2 Plus (daytime kit 7747, per Davis); not listed for the Vantage Vue |
| Power source | Dual solar panels (no fan battery mentioned) | Solar-powered fan; the daytime kit has no backup battery, so the fan stops at night (Davis also makes a 24-hour version) |
| Installation | Screwdriver: swap the sensor's upper assembly | Retrofit kit for the Vantage Pro2 sensor suite |
| Fan speed control | Solar-powered, runs when there is enough sun | Solar-powered, daytime only (7747) |
| Accuracy improvement | No published figure | Davis says the daytime kit is nearly 75% as effective as its 24-hour shield at reducing daytime radiation effects |
| Best for | Existing AcuRite 5-in-1 owners who want to try for better afternoon temperatures | Vantage Pro2 owners who want daytime aspiration; Davis's 24-hour shield is more effective |
The Davis kit only makes sense if you already own a Vantage Pro2 (see our Davis Vantage Pro2 review). For AcuRite owners who want to try for better afternoon temperatures without changing stations, the PRO+ upgrade is the simpler route. Neither maker publishes a head-to-head comparison, so we cannot say which reduces the error more.
Frequently Made Mistakes with the PRO+ Upgrade
Most issues with the PRO+ upgrade stem from mismatched expectations or avoidable setup errors. These are the most common mistakes new buyers make.
| Mistake | Why it happens | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Buying without checking compatibility | AcuRite says it installs onto any AcuRite 5-in-1 sensor, but it is meant for sensors with only one solar panel, and PRO+ models already have it. Buyers do not always check which version they own. | Look up your sensor's model number at support.acurite.com, or compare it with the works-with list on the listing, before purchasing. |
| Expecting better wind accuracy | The upgrade is described as improving sensor performance, which buyers assume means all sensors. | AcuRite only claims better ambient temperature measurement. It does not claim any change to wind speed, direction or rainfall readings. |
| Expecting better rain accuracy | Same misunderstanding: "upgrade" implies across-the-board improvement. | Rain accuracy is determined by tipping bucket cleanliness and sensor levelling, not aspiration. Clean the funnel and check the level separately. |
| Leaving the batteries in | It is tempting to open the sensor straight away. | AcuRite says to remove the batteries before installation to avoid erroneous data while handling the sensor. Put them back when you are done, and judge the result over several sunny days, not one. |
| Installing on a poorly sited sensor | Buyers expect the PRO+ to fix a sensor next to a hot roof, wall, asphalt or vent. | The PRO+ cannot fix heat from nearby surfaces. Follow AcuRite's siting rules: an open area, at least 5 feet up, away from heat sources, solar cell facing south. See our station installation tips. |
| Not cleaning solar panels | Dust, pollen, and bird droppings reduce panel efficiency over time without visible degradation. | Wipe the dual solar panels with a damp cloth every few months, especially in spring (pollen season) and after dusty weather events. |
Troubleshooting the PRO+ Upgrade
The official support documentation for the PRO+ upgrade is at support.acurite.com. Here are the most common issues reported after installation:
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fan not running after installation | Not enough sun, or the assembly not seated correctly | The fan is solar-powered, so check it in bright sunlight. If it still does not run, recheck the 4 short and 4 long screws and contact AcuRite support. |
| Fan runs intermittently | Solar panels dirty or partially shaded | Wipe panels with a damp cloth. Check that no new obstructions (tree growth, new structures) are casting shade on the sensor during parts of the day. |
| Temperature still reading high after upgrade | Sensor placement issue rather than aspiration issue | Check the siting against AcuRite's rules: open area, away from heaters, vents, chimneys, asphalt and concrete. The PRO+ cannot compensate for heat from nearby surfaces. |
| PRO+ assembly feels loose | Screws not fully in | Check that all 4 short screws (hand-tight, per AcuRite) and all 4 long screws are in place. Check support.acurite.com for help. |
| Fan stops working after months of use | Fan motor wear or debris in fan blades | Check the fan opening for debris. If the fan has failed, contact AcuRite support for replacement options at support.acurite.com. |
Is the AcuRite Iris PRO+ Upgrade Worth Buying?
Yes, for the right situation. The PRO+ upgrade targets a real weak spot of single-panel aspirated sensors. If your AcuRite 5-in-1 station reads several degrees above official station data on sunny afternoons, AcuRite says this upgrade improves temperature measurement, although we have seen no independent numbers. Installation means opening the sensor and swapping its upper assembly with a screwdriver; no software changes are needed.
The upgrade is not worth buying if your temperature readings are already accurate, if your primary concern is wind or rain data, or if you are planning to replace the station entirely. In those cases the money is better spent on a new station: the AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 is one option, and the Ambient Weather WS-2902C is the step up if you want UV index, solar radiation, and broader third-party platform support.
For existing AcuRite 5-in-1 owners in hot or sunny climates who want better afternoon temperatures without buying a whole new station, the PRO+ upgrade is a sensible thing to try.
Check AcuRite PRO+ Upgrade Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Frequently Asked Questions
What does the AcuRite Iris PRO+ upgrade do?
The PRO+ upgrade (AcuRite 06003M) replaces the upper wind speed/solar assembly of an existing AcuRite 5-in-1 sensor with one that has two solar panels. AcuRite says this lets the sensor's solar-powered aspirating fan run more often, which improves ambient temperature measurement throughout the day.
Is the AcuRite PRO+ upgrade worth it?
It can be, if your temperature readings run noticeably high compared to official station data on sunny days. It is not worth buying if your readings already match official data, if you already own a PRO+ model, or if your primary concern is wind or rainfall, which AcuRite does not claim it changes.
What AcuRite sensors is the PRO+ compatible with?
AcuRite says it is for 5-in-1 sensors that come with only one solar panel, and its works-with list includes models such as the 01500, 01525 and 01036. Verify your specific model number at support.acurite.com or on the product listing before purchasing.
Does the PRO+ upgrade affect battery life?
AcuRite does not say. It describes the fan as solar-powered, and the Pro Add-On instructions mention no battery for the fan. The 5-in-1 sensor itself runs on 4 AA batteries.
How do I install the AcuRite Iris PRO+ upgrade?
You need a Phillips head screwdriver. Take the batteries out, remove the 4 long screws to separate the upper and lower parts, remove the 4 short screws near the fan, lift off and discard the old wind speed/solar assembly, line up the Pro Add-On with the rain gauge assembly, refit the 4 short screws hand-tight and then the 4 long screws. Put the batteries back and remount the sensor with the solar cell facing south.
Why does an aspirating fan improve temperature accuracy?
Without active airflow, solar radiation heats the sensor's plastic casing, which warms the air inside the housing above true ambient temperature. An aspirating fan continuously flushes that heated air out and replaces it with fresh outside air, keeping the temperature sensor reading the actual air temperature rather than the temperature of the heated housing.
Sources
Specifications verified against AcuRite's official documentation: the 5-in-1 Sensor Pro Add-On instruction sheet (06003RM), the AcuRite Iris (5-in-1) dual solar panel sensor manual (model 06014) and the AcuRite 06003M listing. Davis details from Davis Instruments. We have not tested the PRO+ upgrade ourselves; research last verified 24 October 2026. Solar radiation error principles from the World Meteorological Organisation Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation. No manufacturer compensation was received. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Lena Thornton
Weather Station Analyst and CWOP Contributor. Lena has researched, reviewed and analysed weather stations and instruments for over a decade. She contributes observation data to the Citizen Weather Observer Program (CWOP).
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